Three Tips for ICF Credential Success

For many coaches, applying for your first or next ICF credential is on their wish list. Some of them are holding back from taking that step for fear of failing. Maybe that sounds like you! I understand.

I think it was Tennyson, the poet, who said, “It’s better to have tried and failed than to have lived life wondering what would’ve happened if I’d tried.”

So, if you are feeling inspired to try this year. Bravo, you!

I’m in your corner! So, I wanted to quickly share my top three fundamentals for increasing your success on your credential journey. These are the non-negotiables that will catapult you forward.

Fundamental #1 – Learn the Competencies

For those of you who have participated in my mentor coaching groups, you know that I am a real stickler for this one. I cannot stress this enough. ICF credentials are awarded based on a coach’s ability to practice in alignment with the behaviours associated with eight core competencies. It stands to reason, then, that you must know these competencies inside and out.

You can find the minimum skill requirements for each credential based on the competencies on the ICF website.

These requirements are a valuable resource for you as you build your coaching skills.

Fundamental #2 – Develop a Reflective Practice

Once you have studied the competencies and integrated them consistently into your work, you need to assess your progress. It is important to establish a systematic approach. I schedule one full day at the end of each month for this type of reflection.

I like to use Kolb’s experiential learning cycle. It is a simple model that includes four stages. They are:

1. Concrete Experience (doing something/having an experience)
2. Reflective Observation (reviewing/reflecting on the experience)
3. Abstract Conceptualization (building knowledge, confirming new ideas)
4. Active Experimentation (planning for the next experience, incorporating new ideas)

I have created my own set of questions based on the Kolb model that I use to assess my coaching work each month. One of my favourite resources on this topic is The Reflective Practice Guide: An interdisciplinary approach to critical reflection.

Fundamental #3 – Create Your Learning Plan

Too many coaches schedule their credential preparation solely around a calendar deadline. Their rationale sounds something like this:

“My PCC is coming up for renewal in a couple of months. I have the coaching hours, so I might as well apply for my MCC.”

They find themselves rushing and quite unprepared for the rigour that is required to be successful.

A better way to approach the next credential step is to set your goals based on a learning plan. Your learning plan could include these questions:

1. Which credential do I want to prepare for?
2. What are the minimum skill requirements for this credential?
3. What is my reflective practice plan?
4. Who can I work with to help in my development?
5. What is my timeline?

Attention to these questions can help you put a plan in place that can fully support you as you move forward in credentialing.

I know there is a lot to consider as you continue your professional development in the coaching field. Having spent a long career in corporate training, I know the value of focusing on the fundamentals when learning (and teaching) skills.

I hope these three fundamentals will help you create the success you seek in 2023.

If you are ready to engage a mentor coach to help you on your way, I invite you to book a time to chat about your options in working with me. Schedule a chat!

Looking for group mentor coaching? Here is the 2023 group mentor coaching schedule.